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Description

At the heart of Niner's modus operandi is computer-based finite element analysis combined with heaps of real-world testing. And that testing isn't exclusive to pampered pros. Niner's computer modeling ninjas don't drive home in compact cars to mundane lives after a day modeling tube shapes and carbon layups. They shut down the nerd station and throw a leg over prototypes for post-work, seat-of-the-pants beta. From marketing to customer service to their extensive fan base, input from passionate riders is constantly streamed into the Niner development process. It was no different for the Niner A.I.R. 9 Carbon Mountain Bike Frame, one of the most sought after, podium-dominating, and versatile 29er chariots money can buy.

Niner's commitment to development is evident throughout the curvy A.I.R. 9 Carbon, and its foundation is a high modulus carbon fiber structure with optimized weaves, lay ups, and tube shapes. The fluid form is no accident, and is purpose designed to dampen chatter and guide impact forces to stronger parts of the frame. Chain torque goes directly to the rear wheel via the reinforced bottom bracket shell and sturdy chainstays, yet trail vibrations are quelled by the swooping seatstays. From the strength- and precision-enhancing tapered head tube to the internal cable routing and titanium chain-slap protectors, the A.I.R. 9 Carbon checks all the boxes to confidently hold the title of Niner's top dog.

The A.I.R. 9 Carbon features Niner's exclusive Bio-Centric EBB technology and CYA Bottom Bracket system. This frees the A.I.R. 9 Carbon from the plethora of new bottom bracket standards, and it means you can easily switch from gears to single speed. Through the use of press-fit inserts, the A.I.R. 9 Carbon can be set up for Shimano or SRAM BB30, Shimano or SRAM BB92, or standard external cups. The options don't stop there either. The Niner EBB allows you to enjoy pure singlespeed simplicity without the chain tension headaches. The inserts are sold separately, so you can choose the insert you need, rather than incurring the cost of a handful of inserts that will
undoubtedly collect dust on your workbench.

Eccentric bottom brackets often present finicky maintenance headaches like constant creaking, ovalized shells, and stripped bolts. An essential design element of the Bio-Centric system is that the cups lock to the bottom bracket shell's flange, providing 360 degrees of purchase while eliminating any chance for creak-causing dirt or debris to contaminate the interface. It won't round out or suffer from the over-tightening issues of traditional EBB designs. If you’re going the SS route, only external cup bottom brackets will work.

Niner recommends an 80 to 100mm suspension fork, or a rigid unit with a 470mm axle to crown length and 45mm offset. (Perhaps not coincidentally, their award-winning carbon fork shares those exact dimensions). The tapered head tube comes equipped with an FSA IS42/28.6|IS52/40 integrated (Campy style) headset. You'll need a 31.6mm seatpost and a high-mount, bottom-swing, bottom-pull front derailleur with a 34.9mm clamp. The rear triangle offers clearance for tires up to 2.4in. The A.I.R. 9 stays true to its XC nature in the brake department —160mm rotors are the only option, and the caliper attaches via a post mount. Niner recommends a maximum chainring size of 26/39t SRAM or 28/40t Shimano XT, XTR is not compatible, for 2x10 applications to avoid interference issues. Any traditional triple setup will work fine. For those of you who intend on running a one-by drivetrain, such as SRAM's XX1, the AIR 9 Carbon will clear up to a 32t ring with a 168mm Q Factor crankset.

From the factory, this frame comes set up for a singlespeed drivetrain, but Niner's geared kit is sold separately (NNR0024). The Niner A.I.R. 9 Carbon Mountain Bike Frame - 2013 is available four sizes from Small to X-Large and in the colors Black, White, and Tangerine.

Here's what others have to say...

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No Gravity on the Moon

Familiarity:
I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Built this frameset up as a single speed as a simple trail steed. Impressed that the geo fits nicely between XC and All mounting, giving you performance in climbing, while still having a slack enough head tube to make it fun rallying down the trail. The Moondust finish looks great, as does the build quality. The only complaint I have is that Niner does not include/offer block offs for the internal frame routing, so if you do not use it, your left with open holes.

Comment on D-rock's review:

update

mediums are sold out as of 5/12. We do have one small left. We could also do the same build on a 2014 frameset still at an amazing value. Contact me direct for details at wbranham@competitivecyclist.com or 801-736-6396 x 4074

Are you planning on getting another shipment...

Hey Jeff, unfortunately we won't be gettin in more of those in in the Large size as they are no longer available. We do have the 2014 version in stock though. Please let us know if you have any other questions on those. You can reach me directly at 801 736 6396 ext 4362

Trevor, I believe in this particular frame, all sizes have two bottle mounts. The small and medium frames both have one mount inside the triangle and one on the bottom of the downtube. The large and XL have both mounts inside the triangle. My only gripe about this frame as mediums normally have both inside.

Any word on availability of the size M...

We are getting more Medium Moondust frames from Niner at the end of March. An order you place now would ship out the first week of April. Call me at 801-736-6396 x 4076 and i can place the order for you.

Comment on Lisardo Rios's review:

A work of art...

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

I've owned one of these for about a year and set it up with an all RDO cockpit and an XX1 drivetrain. It is an amazing bike: light, snappy, nimble in the air, and a fast climber. I love this on long climbs, but you do have to pick your lines carefully downhill on technical descents with a 100mm course. It is, after all, and XC bike, but rides more capable than that. Love it.

Does this come with the EBB cups, or do...

Does NOT come with an EBB, or any other type of BB adaptor system. It does have a singlespeed specific dropout installed. You'll have to order the EBB or CYA you want, as well as a derailleur hanger if you wish to run gears. I mentioned that the description is lacking this sort of info, and how it kind of sucks to be the customer, all amped on your new ride, only to find you need to throw it in a corner and order more parts, when it arrives as it does. Guess that fell on deaf ears.

can you put a 140mm fork on it ?

Niner recommends an 80 to 100mm suspension fork, or a rigid unit with a 470mm axle to crown length and 45mm offset. Sorry to say that a 140mm fork would not be advised for this frame at all. Pretty much the tallest fork that would be recommended on a hardtail 29er is a 120mm fork on such bikes like the Merlin XLM, Santa Cruz Highball, and Pivot Les.

Have an answer for andp517364?

I know that for most part, the Niners come...

I know that for most part, the Niners come with a headset, and for awhile, they came with two headset crown races. One was typical for a tapered steerer fork, and he other allowed the use of a straight 1-1/8" steerer. Can you tell me if this frame comes with both options? I'll be running a straight steerer at first, and need to know if I need to be ordering the other race from the Niner site.

Have an answer for apep694460?

Stiff and responsive

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

Only got a few days in on this bike, but what really stood out was the stiffness and agility. I like to focus on the downs, and didn't have the highest expectations for this bike, but it really delivered a balanced trail experience, and not just a light weight frame for the carbonerds

Comment on Andrew's review:

EBB

Great idea but not the best for racing. I converted this bike to geared and it made a ton of BB noise. If you want to run gears get the RDO but if you want two bikes for the price of 1.5 then this is your frame.

I'd not previously ridden a carbon bike (other than my road bike) so I was really psyched the first time I took it on the trail. Very stiff (climbing), responsive handling (cornering), and overall comfortable in the saddle. At 5'-7"ish, the fit on the size small was spot on (saddle a touch forward from center with a 90mm stem). The carbon bits (bar/seat post) made riding in the saddle a pleasure.